‘If you’re talking about combat — as it is — well then, baby you’d better train every part of your body!’ — Bruce Lee

More training related quotes by Bruce Lee: There must be a “being” instead of a “doing” in training. One must be free. Instead of complexity of form, there should be simplicity of expression.

In combat, spontaneity rules; rote performance of technique perishes.

Practice all movements slow and fast, soft and hard; the effectiveness of Jeet Kune-Do depends on split-second timing and reflexive action, which can be achieved only through repetitious practice.

Simplicity is the key to brilliance.

The first rule is to keep yourself well covered at all times and never leave yourself open while sparring around the bag. By all means use your footwork — side stepping, feinting, varying your kicks and blows to the bag. Do not shove or flick at it. Explode through it and remember that the power of the kick and punch comes from the correct contact at the right spot and at the right moment with the body in perfect position; not, as many people think, from the vigor with which the kicks or blows are delivered.

The highest technique is to have no technique. My technique is a result of your technique; my movement is a result of your movement.

The less effort, the faster and more powerful you will be.

The more relaxed the muscles are, the more energy can flow through the body. Using muscular tensions to try to “do” the punch, or attempting to use brute force to knock someone over, will only work to opposite effect.

The old-fashioned punching speed bag teaches you to hit straight and square; if you don’t hit it straight the bag will not return directly to you. Besides learning footwork, you can hit the bag upward too. Another important function is that after the delivery of the punch, the bag will return instantaneously and this will teach you to be alert and to recover quickly. The bag should not be hit in a rhythmic motion but instead in a broken rhythm. Actually fight the bag as if it is your opponent.

The techniques, though they play an important role in the early stage, should not be too restrictive, complex or mechanical. If we cling to them, we will become bound by their limitation. Remember, you are expressing the technique, and not doing Technique number two, Stance three, Section four?

Any technique, however worthy and desirable, becomes a disease when the mind is obsessed with it.